Do you actually use a money belt?
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:04 PM
#21
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If you're a guy, you might like the "leg stash" which straps around your calf and is covered by your jeans or slacks. My husband and I both wear that kind these days, quite comfortable and handy. Even though it's easier to access if you need to, don't do that where people can see.
http://www.magellans.com/store/Safet...ltsSV676?Args=
http://www.magellans.com/store/Safet...ltsSV676?Args=
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:35 PM
#22
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I have never used a money belt. I travel with a small amount of cash and use the ATM for cash and charge anything that can be charged.
I keep my passport in the hotel safe.
I only travel with my passport, drivers license and two charge cards. I make photocopies of all of the above mentioned items.
I carry the drivers license, the photocopy of the passport and ONE charge card when I'm out and about. They are usually store in my bra -- not hi tech, I know, but no one's getting in there!
If I do carry a purse, it's always my small black bag on a very thick strap (hard to cut off) diagonally across my sholder to hip and it's under my coat if I have one on.
I've never had any problems. I use this same strategy weather I'm traveling domestically or abroad.
My philosophy is this...be safe, take the precautions that your comfortable with, and never be without money or ID. I figure if I'm out and about and lose my drivers license and my charge card I can head to the hotel and cancel the card and renew the license when I get home. I've still got my passport and the other charge card handy.
Have fun!
I keep my passport in the hotel safe.
I only travel with my passport, drivers license and two charge cards. I make photocopies of all of the above mentioned items.
I carry the drivers license, the photocopy of the passport and ONE charge card when I'm out and about. They are usually store in my bra -- not hi tech, I know, but no one's getting in there!
If I do carry a purse, it's always my small black bag on a very thick strap (hard to cut off) diagonally across my sholder to hip and it's under my coat if I have one on.
I've never had any problems. I use this same strategy weather I'm traveling domestically or abroad.
My philosophy is this...be safe, take the precautions that your comfortable with, and never be without money or ID. I figure if I'm out and about and lose my drivers license and my charge card I can head to the hotel and cancel the card and renew the license when I get home. I've still got my passport and the other charge card handy.
Have fun!
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:40 PM
#23
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I never can get past that it isn't alot of bother to replace my i.d. and whatnot if they get stolen especially when on a trip overseas. I figure that it is a hassle and I'd rather not take any chances. I read about people having problems reaching their credit card companies while overseas due to time differences and other reasons. So if that can be minimized to me it's best.
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:47 PM
#24
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Mnanni:
YES, Yes, yes to money belts. The appeal? I get to keep my cash. I’ve been picked, all because I didn’t follow my own advice.
You can find a soft fabric model that ties around your waist, underneath your clothing. You won’t even know you have it on - and neither will anyone else. It not readily accessible, but that’s the intention. I usually have some spending cash in my pocket, but no wallet to show any bulk. If I need more cash, then the inconvenience of going into the bathroom is worth it, I think.
I know some will say “but you don’t wear a money belt in your own city. Why would you do so on vacation?” A common and valid question, and if I may plagiarize and compliment Clairobscur, for her excellent answer to that. I remember reading this after I was picked and dug it up!
Author: clairobscur
Date: 09/13/2005, 01:36 am
Being robbed in a foreign country is both more likely and more annoying than being robbed at home.
I live in Paris. I'm not likely to be victimized by a pickpocket because :
-I don't hang out much in the touristy spots where the pickpockets are operating
-Being in a familiar place, I'm much more likely to notice that something, or someone's behavior, is abnormal
-I don't look like a tourist, so, I'm unlikely to be an interesting target : I won't have an expensive camera, nor plenty of cash in my wallet
-I'm way more likely to complain to the police and to press charges if the pickpocket is caught.
-I wont be distracted because I'm looking at a map or taking a picture.
And anyway, even if I'm victimized, at worst I'll lost a minimal amount of money and will have to get a new ID and a new CC, and it won't be a major hassle. On the other hand, if I were a tourist, I could have lost my passport, all my money and plastic, my plane tickets, etc... and it could be a major issue to have everything settled down in and/or from a foreign country. My vacations could be ruined. I could also have lost expensive stuff.
So, as a Parisian, I'm not very concerned about pickpockets. But if I were a foreigner vacationing in Paris, I most certainly would be.
Thank you, Clairobscur!
I also know many will say, “I’ve been to <city name> and never been picked.” That’s great. I could also say that I’ve never worn a seatbelt and have yet to be injured. That doesn’t make me any more the smarter for not wearing it. The risk has not gone away.
It’s not just a matter of risk; it’s a matter of consequence, as Clairobscur points out in her second to last paragraph.
YES, Yes, yes to money belts. The appeal? I get to keep my cash. I’ve been picked, all because I didn’t follow my own advice.
You can find a soft fabric model that ties around your waist, underneath your clothing. You won’t even know you have it on - and neither will anyone else. It not readily accessible, but that’s the intention. I usually have some spending cash in my pocket, but no wallet to show any bulk. If I need more cash, then the inconvenience of going into the bathroom is worth it, I think.
I know some will say “but you don’t wear a money belt in your own city. Why would you do so on vacation?” A common and valid question, and if I may plagiarize and compliment Clairobscur, for her excellent answer to that. I remember reading this after I was picked and dug it up!
Author: clairobscur
Date: 09/13/2005, 01:36 am
Being robbed in a foreign country is both more likely and more annoying than being robbed at home.
I live in Paris. I'm not likely to be victimized by a pickpocket because :
-I don't hang out much in the touristy spots where the pickpockets are operating
-Being in a familiar place, I'm much more likely to notice that something, or someone's behavior, is abnormal
-I don't look like a tourist, so, I'm unlikely to be an interesting target : I won't have an expensive camera, nor plenty of cash in my wallet
-I'm way more likely to complain to the police and to press charges if the pickpocket is caught.
-I wont be distracted because I'm looking at a map or taking a picture.
And anyway, even if I'm victimized, at worst I'll lost a minimal amount of money and will have to get a new ID and a new CC, and it won't be a major hassle. On the other hand, if I were a tourist, I could have lost my passport, all my money and plastic, my plane tickets, etc... and it could be a major issue to have everything settled down in and/or from a foreign country. My vacations could be ruined. I could also have lost expensive stuff.
So, as a Parisian, I'm not very concerned about pickpockets. But if I were a foreigner vacationing in Paris, I most certainly would be.
Thank you, Clairobscur!
I also know many will say, “I’ve been to <city name> and never been picked.” That’s great. I could also say that I’ve never worn a seatbelt and have yet to be injured. That doesn’t make me any more the smarter for not wearing it. The risk has not gone away.
It’s not just a matter of risk; it’s a matter of consequence, as Clairobscur points out in her second to last paragraph.
Nov 6th, 2006, 02:47 PM
#25
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Well, of course, it's a bother! But, I am carrying it in my bra in a little pouch, so the chances of losing it or having it stolen are pretty slim. I am taking precautions, mine just isn't a money belt.
Losing or having your ID/credit card stolen is a horrible inconvenience, but in the whole scheme of things, much worse things could happen.
Losing or having your ID/credit card stolen is a horrible inconvenience, but in the whole scheme of things, much worse things could happen.
Nov 6th, 2006, 03:28 PM
#26
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I am not comfortable with a money belt - they are always too bulky for me. I am a small person so a 5"x6" panel across my front or lower back can be a problem. There isn't really any place for it to comfortably sit flat on my body. Plus in the summer time with smaller clothing and the way current styles fit, there isn't much room in clothing for a money belt anyway. Same with the neck pouch - totally visible with most summer clothing.
So to avoid pickpockets, I made a flat fabric sleeve with a velcro closure - it is big enough to hold my ID, a couple credit cards, and some cash. I pin it inside my clothes and then when I need something, I slip into a bathroom and access the sleeve. I suppose a person could also attach velcro to the sleeve and to the inside of clothing and carry it that way as well.
So to avoid pickpockets, I made a flat fabric sleeve with a velcro closure - it is big enough to hold my ID, a couple credit cards, and some cash. I pin it inside my clothes and then when I need something, I slip into a bathroom and access the sleeve. I suppose a person could also attach velcro to the sleeve and to the inside of clothing and carry it that way as well.
Nov 6th, 2006, 04:11 PM
#27
jcorrea, your idea sounds nifty, but I often have difficulty finding a bathroom when I need to, um, "use" one...so how do you manage to find a bathroom to slip into whenever you need to buy a bus pass or pay for a bottle of water?!
@
@
Nov 6th, 2006, 04:28 PM
#29
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You don't put ALL your money into a moneybelt. You put a moderate amount of cash, one credit or debit card in your purse/wallet for the day. The spare/backup cards and the extra cash (say you just hit the ATM for 300E and put 100E in your wallet) go into the moneybelt. The point is to limit potential loss if wallet, purse, whatever is stolen.
Nov 6th, 2006, 05:25 PM
#30
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Never. Use a purse just like at home - and have never had a problem in over 70 trips.
But then, I'm a native New Yorker and automatically do all the things that don;t make you a target.
And don;t do the silly things that do:
wandering around looking confused, unfolding maps and guidebooks in the center of crowds
leaving purse on the back of a chair or on the ground/floor
being unaware of what's going on around you
letting strangers "help" you - or ask you for help - to distract you
But then, I'm a native New Yorker and automatically do all the things that don;t make you a target.
And don;t do the silly things that do:
wandering around looking confused, unfolding maps and guidebooks in the center of crowds
leaving purse on the back of a chair or on the ground/floor
being unaware of what's going on around you
letting strangers "help" you - or ask you for help - to distract you
Nov 6th, 2006, 07:32 PM
#31
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Yes, my husband and I wear money belts. When we were in Rome ten days ago, we were eating lunch outside a cafe several blocks from the Vatican when the elderly British lady at the next table got out her wallet to pay for her meal and sadly realized her purse had been opened. All her money, credit cards, passport and plane tickets were missing. Thank goodness her daughter was traveling with her. They were going straight to the police station to report it.
The cafe owner thought maybe it was one of the flower sellers or beggars who were going from table to table. Of course, we had just come from seeing the Pope give his midday Sunday blessing to the huge crowd in front of St. Peter's. I am sure pickpockets were probably there, too!
In our various trips to Europe, we have several times noticed pickpockets eyeing us or even reaching towards us, but have never actually had anything stolen. We try to be aware of what is happening around us.
Of course, in the twenty years we lived close to New Orleans, we often warned unwary tourists about to lose their wallet from their carelessly opened purse.
We mainly waer the money belts so we won't have to worry about losing anything. Actually, for us, an equal problem might be carelessly forgetting to get our jacket off the back of our chair or laying down a camera for a minute.
The cafe owner thought maybe it was one of the flower sellers or beggars who were going from table to table. Of course, we had just come from seeing the Pope give his midday Sunday blessing to the huge crowd in front of St. Peter's. I am sure pickpockets were probably there, too!
In our various trips to Europe, we have several times noticed pickpockets eyeing us or even reaching towards us, but have never actually had anything stolen. We try to be aware of what is happening around us.
Of course, in the twenty years we lived close to New Orleans, we often warned unwary tourists about to lose their wallet from their carelessly opened purse.
We mainly waer the money belts so we won't have to worry about losing anything. Actually, for us, an equal problem might be carelessly forgetting to get our jacket off the back of our chair or laying down a camera for a minute.
Nov 6th, 2006, 08:11 PM
#32
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Both my husband and I always use a $$ belt when traveling--as I've posted before whenever the question is asked. We have seen how difficult it is to get things that are stolen replaced when overseas. We have been approached in the Paris metro and on the streets of Barcelona--and probably other places that we didn't observe--but no pickpocket would get much from us, because anything valuable in in our $belts.
I have found that for women, who don't care to have the bulk in the front, that wearing the pouch toward the back, where your body is flatter, will be more comfortable.
I find it is silly to think that I am so aware of all that goes on, that I could not pssibly be the victim of a pickpocketer. It only has to happen once, and suffering the consequences would seem to be far worse than enduring the small inconvenience of a $belt while on a trip. After a few days, you don't really notice you have it on. Just my opinion. mhm
I have found that for women, who don't care to have the bulk in the front, that wearing the pouch toward the back, where your body is flatter, will be more comfortable.
I find it is silly to think that I am so aware of all that goes on, that I could not pssibly be the victim of a pickpocketer. It only has to happen once, and suffering the consequences would seem to be far worse than enduring the small inconvenience of a $belt while on a trip. After a few days, you don't really notice you have it on. Just my opinion. mhm
Nov 6th, 2006, 08:20 PM
#33
We, DH and I, have worn them in the past but don't generally now.
Were I to go into highly unfamiliar or risky territory, or where we would be likely to stand around dazed or looking at maps, I probably would rethink this approach.
I do leave the passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy. I only carry an atm card and 2 credit cards, and I get cash from the ATM as I need it, so I don't carry large amounts.
I agree with the hassle factor (if you do lose the purse/wallet) but I now carry a messenger style bag with a thick strap worn crosswise, and with my hand over the bag/top zipper, esp. in crowded areas. The DH won't wear one and prefers the wallet in the front pocket.
Were I to go into highly unfamiliar or risky territory, or where we would be likely to stand around dazed or looking at maps, I probably would rethink this approach.
I do leave the passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy. I only carry an atm card and 2 credit cards, and I get cash from the ATM as I need it, so I don't carry large amounts.
I agree with the hassle factor (if you do lose the purse/wallet) but I now carry a messenger style bag with a thick strap worn crosswise, and with my hand over the bag/top zipper, esp. in crowded areas. The DH won't wear one and prefers the wallet in the front pocket.
Nov 7th, 2006, 02:22 AM
#36
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<Passport>
First you must know the laws of the country you are visiting. Many require you to carry a form of ID. I always bring my DL, 1 credit card, and a days worth of $ with me (so no I don't wear a moneybelt)I leave the passport, remaining $ and ATM card in the hotel safe.
First you must know the laws of the country you are visiting. Many require you to carry a form of ID. I always bring my DL, 1 credit card, and a days worth of $ with me (so no I don't wear a moneybelt)I leave the passport, remaining $ and ATM card in the hotel safe.
Nov 7th, 2006, 02:52 AM
#37
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ready2travel said "Why in the world would Italy - or ANY foreign country - be an exception?" - Because - you don't need a passport in order to get home from a US city!!!! (if you live in the US)
Plus - as others have already mentioned:
If you don't speak the language it's harder to resolve problems with lost property
You don't have a branch of your bank and credit card company just a local phone call away
You are on vacation and don't want to spend precious vacation time getting replacements of credit cards and passports
There IS a difference between travel in your home country versus a foreign country and it has nothing to do with how "safe" a certain city is.
Plus - as others have already mentioned:
If you don't speak the language it's harder to resolve problems with lost property
You don't have a branch of your bank and credit card company just a local phone call away
You are on vacation and don't want to spend precious vacation time getting replacements of credit cards and passports
There IS a difference between travel in your home country versus a foreign country and it has nothing to do with how "safe" a certain city is.
Nov 7th, 2006, 03:54 AM
#38
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i constantly travel all over the world for work (and pleasure, though unfortunately, less often) and use a money belt on maybe 10-20% of my trips.
some people on this board see the moneybelt as a tool of the inexperienced and paranoid traveller. they take a few trips without one and they are confident that they will not meet a situation that they can't handle.
the pickpocket just needs to get lucky once with you and your trip can be ruined. you need to ensure the safety of your things 100% of the time. there are few better ways of doing this than with a MB or similar devise. i don't care if you are from NYC or kansas, nobody can stay 100% alert 100% of the time. people get tired after a long day, they drink, they get distracted, etc.
also, "pickpocket" can be a misnomer. if anyone has ever been victim of a brute force pickpocket (or team) you know what i'm saying. these attacks are boarderline assaults and use a combination of speed, surprise, and most of all force to get at your stuff.
depending on where and how you travel, you can easily come across situations that are not avoided by just not opening a map or tour book or "not looking lost". there are kids living on the streets of beijing, delhi, rome, etc that will bite off your new york attitude and spit it right back at you.
assuming that you can handle anything just because you are a "native new yorker" is a deadly schoolboy error and not very street smart IMO.
some people on this board see the moneybelt as a tool of the inexperienced and paranoid traveller. they take a few trips without one and they are confident that they will not meet a situation that they can't handle.
the pickpocket just needs to get lucky once with you and your trip can be ruined. you need to ensure the safety of your things 100% of the time. there are few better ways of doing this than with a MB or similar devise. i don't care if you are from NYC or kansas, nobody can stay 100% alert 100% of the time. people get tired after a long day, they drink, they get distracted, etc.
also, "pickpocket" can be a misnomer. if anyone has ever been victim of a brute force pickpocket (or team) you know what i'm saying. these attacks are boarderline assaults and use a combination of speed, surprise, and most of all force to get at your stuff.
depending on where and how you travel, you can easily come across situations that are not avoided by just not opening a map or tour book or "not looking lost". there are kids living on the streets of beijing, delhi, rome, etc that will bite off your new york attitude and spit it right back at you.
assuming that you can handle anything just because you are a "native new yorker" is a deadly schoolboy error and not very street smart IMO.
Nov 7th, 2006, 03:54 AM
#39
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The answer is yes. I carry only some small cash in the my bag, sometimes I do not even carry one.I often carry a credit card in a safe pocket and also some accesible cash as for a tip or taxi in any pocket.
So ffar so good.
So ffar so good.
Nov 7th, 2006, 04:29 AM
#40
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Both my wife and I wear a "Waist Wallet". In it we carry our passports and excess cash. I carry in my front pocket the cash we will need for 1 or 2 days plus a credit card. My wife will carry just a little cash in her pocket. We have found that if we wear the wallet in the small of our backs we never notice its there and it does not make my wife look fat.
